After Years of Illness, Pennsylvania Mobile Home Residents Demand Expanded Testing of Tap Water

Residents of Fairfield Manor Mobile Home Park near Bolivar, Pa., are pressing state regulators and the park owner for broader water testing after years of complaints about discolored, gritty tap water and a string of health problems.

What Residents Say

Sixty-eight-year-old Cathie Muzelak says she first noticed water that looked discolored and felt gritty. Over time she developed rashes, urinary tract infections, headaches, night sweats and other symptoms she attributes to the water. Muzelak paid for private laboratory testing that suggested the possible presence of microbacteria.

Official Response and Findings

Following a resident complaint, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection inspected the park's private well system in 2024. Spokesperson Laina Aquiline said inspectors detected manganese — a so-called secondary contaminant that can affect water color, taste or odor but "does not pose a direct health risk at regulated levels." The DEP has ordered quarterly manganese sampling and is evaluating whether additional treatment is needed.

Calls For Broader Screening

Advocates and some residents say DEP's steps are insufficient. Dr. Ned Ketyer of the Environmental Health Project warned that bacteria in drinking water can be harmful and urged expanded testing for contaminants beyond manganese, including PFAS, pesticides, herbicides, arsenic, heavy metals and other bacteria. Ketyer helped arrange for Duquesne University researchers to collect additional samples in August; he cautioned that analysis could take months.

"There really needs to be more investigation," said Dr. Ned Ketyer.

Park Owner's Actions

Fairfield Manor owner Anthony Acierno says he has complied with DEP requirements and spent roughly $18,000 to clean and reline park water tanks to address iron. "We test daily and test for multiple types of bacteria and metals," Acierno said.

Impact And Broader Context

Former residents report feeling better after leaving the park. Leo McGinnis, who moved away in 2023 with partner Kathaleen Mikolich and their children, said, "We felt better after moving out of the mobile home park." The case highlights a common problem for renters and mobile-home residents: when landlords or park owners control essential systems like water, tenants often lack the authority or resources to force upgrades or pay for extensive testing.

Costs and jurisdictional limits often leave residents unable to obtain comprehensive testing. Similar situations around the country — from neighbors helping cover PFAS testing costs for private wells in Virginia to disputes over smoke and odors that raise health worries — underscore how expensive, slow and complex it can be for people to get clear answers about environmental hazards at home.

What Residents Want

Muzelak says she is encouraged by growing attention to the issue. "We want justice, and we want the water cleaned up," she said. Residents continue to push for broader, more detailed testing and for decisions that will ensure safe drinking water for the community.